I have been admitted to kinesiology and I’m from california. The things I like most about umn are the big 10 sports including hockey and basketball. I also think the campus is way nicer than any school in my home state and the tuition isnt too bad. I’m specifically worried about the weather and how students overcome that. I’ve been in -7 degrees for a week but that’s about it. I’m looking for as much advice as possible:) Please no cali jokes thanks!
I’ve only visisted the school over the winter, but I might visit again this spring if I have the chance.
If you’ve been in below zero temps, you’ll do fine. I’ve known OOS at Minnesota who honestly didn’t believe temperatures could drop below zero.
Many of the buildings are connected by tunnel or skyways, so you won’t have to be in the bitter cold for too long. There are a few days each winter that are hard to be outside for any time, but more typically, winter is tolerable here. You can play hockey outdoors (like it was meant to be played), or learn broomball if you don’t skate.
And Spring becomes truly glorious once you’ve lived through the depths of winter… Shorts come out the moment temps rise above 50. 
Congrats on your admittance! And Ski-U-Mah!
Sorry I meant I’ve only visited during the summer (not winter). Also is it true that winter lasts from november-early april? I like cloudy cooler temps in my home state but then again I’ve never been in cloudy weather for that long. My other choice is going to san diego state which has hot temps but not nearly as nice of a school as umn:/
Im from CA too and wondering the same thing
I would say its Winter from December - February. November, March and April are iffy. Can seem like Winter but it can also seem like it has the last two weeks here - 60’s - I think it hit 70 Saturday. Glorious. Normal Novembers start out in the 40’s - 50’s early in the month and then 30’s - 40’s later in the month. March starts out (usually, but not this year!) in the upper 20’s and 30’s and ends in the upper 40’s and 50’s). April can be up and down but is the best of those three months of course. Everyone adapts and learns their things to do in the Winter. Could be outdoor, broomball, skiing/boarding, ice fishing; or indoor - you name it there.
As for cloudy days… I’m not sure where that impression comes from. Minnesota has, on average, 200 days of sunshine a year. San Diego and LA, for comparison, each have 263 (source: currentresults.com). Clearly not as sunny, but not like Seattle (164 days) or Portland (142). In winter, you learn to appreciate cloudy days- as sunny days are usually the coldest.
I have family in CA who come in winter, and yes, it’s a major change in climate. But if you’re considering Minnesota, you shouldn’t let the climate scare you off. There are lots of ways we get around the cold.
For contrast, my DS toured San Diego State and UC-San Diego, because after 17 winters, he’d like to experience a warmer climate. But kinda reinforcing what you’ve said- he’s ruled out both, though for different reasons. While UCSD’s academics are comparable to Minnesota, the campus and students just didn’t feel like a good fit. He loved SDSU’s campus, but doesn’t feel the academics aren’t up to Minnesota’s standards, and felt like he wouldn’t get the same attention.
Everyone’s choice is their own, but IMHO, your original post sounded to me like you know where you want to be. All you need now is a good winter coat, and you’ll do fine. Good luck!
I agree with khidhala … the coldest days are actually completely clear and sunny. Here’s what a typical really cold day in Minneapolis looks like: http://www.theblaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/600x408.jpg
i just wouldn’t worry about the winter. With proper clothing, every one adapts and kids in Minnesota love to participate outdoor winter activities. There are a few days here and there where nobody likes going outside…but we also excel at indoor activities!
UMN has great student season ticket offers for their amazing hockey team and I am sure they also have the same for basketball.
If you really like the school, then don’t fret about the weather as there are 50,000 other kids in the same boat all having great experiences.
Thank you for all the info on Minnesota! I think I will be attending in the fall and I can’t wait to be a gopher:D
The Big 10 hockey league is nothing to get excited about. I actually think that league will hurt MN’s recruiting for hockey. College hockey has not been as fun since the realignment. I’m not a Gopher fan, but I think most college hockey fans miss the old leagues. That being said, college hockey is the best - especially in MN where we have 5 D1 teams. You’ll enjoy it.
Gopher girls hockey won their 6th national championship last week by beating Harvard 4-1!
Unfortunately, I agree in part with @Fourthmom - the Big Ten league is inferior to the old WCHA. But Minnesota has enough hockey cred (the men just won the Big Ten league tourney, and are in the NCAA tourney as a 3 seed) that I don’t think it will hurt recruiting much.
But the women’s team is still in the WCHA- not enough Big Ten schools have a woman’s hockey program to reorganize, and the rivalries are still there. I know several college hockey fans who get more enjoyment from watching the women play- give it a try if you haven’t!